Race Report: The Vermont Overland
The most important aspect of this article is recognizing the fall of a great leader and tremendous athlete, Sule Kangangi, captain of Team AMANI. His untimely passing came as a shock to the cycling community and our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and the race organizers at The Vermont Overland. Please consider contributing to Sule’s family through the gofundme page here.
Thursday, Aug 4, 12:45 PM
I received that glorious email from Bike Reg “you’ve been removed from the waitlist at The Vermont Overland”. Earlier this year, I threw myself into Rasputitsa and Rooted Vermont, the chance to hit the Green Mountain State for a third time filled my bones with excitement. Vermont has an entirely different style of gravel racing, the name of the game is shorter miles, higher elevation, and gnarlier terrain. The Vermont Overland is no exception, 59 miles, 7,500 ft. of climbing, and 8 class 4 sectors (road that is not maintained by the town or state and can be in various states of disrepair).
Saturday, Aug 27, 6:49 AM
I rolled out of my hammock early Saturday morning to 1,300 riders buzzing around the Ascutney Outdoors Ski Center. My night's sleep was pretty brutal with thunderstorms rolling in and out, soaking the course, making for an interesting day of riding. The energy was high with cassettes clicking, free espresso from Wahoo, and fat breakfast burritos making up my morning calories. I slapped my TBD jersey on for the first time and went out for a preride. As a formerly solo rider, I received many waves and helmet nods from New Yorkers recognizing the kit, that was pretty cool, and thanks to all those who said hey.
Saturday, Aug 27, 9:43 AM
I got a bad position on the mass start, this was a HUGE corral and as a people pleaser, I kept my distance (300-400 riders back). I quickly caught up to the lead group after ~2 mi, but my effort was much harder than I would have liked. We entered the first class 4 section and the group split into a couple of chunks. I got sent into the bushes from a rogue root and quickly realized I lost a bottle (shouldn't have skipped cx practice last week). This “gravel” was by far the wildest I've ever set my tires on, riders were getting sent in all directions and it was awesome.
Photo by Joe Viger
Saturday, Aug 27, 10:37 AM
I had planned for no aid station stops and was loaded with plenty of snacks and two bottles remaining from my early race fumble. We zipped passed the first aid station and I snagged an Untapped pure maple syrup gel from a generous volunteer. 20 miles in this course had no chill, the class 4 sectors kept thinning the group and the climbs were relentless. I settled in with a steady group and tried to make conversation as we carried on with type 2 fun.
Saturday, Aug 27, 11:52 AM
I’m a cautious descender and this course was won in the climbs, but I was thankful for lesson after lesson on how to control your bike and find the right line. At this point, myself and one other rider were working together to catch those who dropped us in the technical sections. This meant skipping the second aid station… I slammed a GU and we continued on. The lost bottle issue hit me in the last 10 miles with calf and thigh cramps, I took a couple more light tumbles, but recovered quickly and managed to press on.
Saturday, Aug 27, 1:01 PM
The last half hour of racing was a battle for the top ’20s and an effort to ignore the cramps. I rolled across the finish line at P. 22 (first New Yorker according to the announcer). Stoked on the result and can't wait ‘till next year!
Photo by Joe Viger
Saturday, Aug 27, 2:37 PM
I am a big fan of the post-race party at these things and The Overland knows how to do it right. After 7 Gatorade’s and cheering others on at the finish line, I made my way to the vendor booths filling up on live music, creemee’s, turkey sammies, and the signature Overland IPA. I shared race stories with other individuals and exchanged Strava follows with my newfound NYC gravel community. Riders continued to roll across the line and the energy was just as high as when we started.
I think I am most attracted to this style of racing for the “it’s for anyone” attitude. The Overland truly felt like an inclusive and energetic community supporting the first to the last finisher.
Sunday, Aug 27, 10:12 AM
I woke up to the unfortunate passing of Sule Kangangi, captain of Team AMANI. This news is heartbreaking and a major shock to the gravel cycling community and East African Cycling. I did not know Sule, but the enegy around him and Team AMANI’s prescence was intoxicating at The Overland. My deepest condolences go out to Sule’s family and The Vermont Overland organizers. Sule was a true leader and fixture in this community and abroad. If you’re interested in supporting Sule’s family, please consider donating to the gofundme page here.
